ELECTION - Ballyarnett Ward
Alliance Party candidate - Colm Cavanagh
Colm Cavanagh is standing for the Alliance Party in Derry City and Strabane District Council's Ballyarnett Ward in the upcoming Local Government Elections on May 18.
Colm has long been involved in self-help work. A law graduate and solicitor, he then volunteered to work in East Africa with the UN Development Programme.
Back home he has worked at primary, post-primary and NW Regional College to help create jobs and businesses; to encourage entrepreneurship; and to help local businesses connect with the huge London marketplace and economy.
Mr Cavanagh said: "We can't just depend on America or Japan to create jobs for us.
"Our City Council can’t cure the cost of living crisis but it can help ease the pressures and be a voice for the community."
He added he would emphasise the need for local business.
"Growing the NW Regional College and Ulster University, Magee is crucial for developing local skills. And good rail/road/air and sea transport links are vital for our future success," said Mr Cavanagh.
"Reconciliation is vital. "We have made huge steps towards reducing political violence but we have major work to do to unite our community.
"Scientists worldwide keep warning us that global warming is clearly the biggest issue of all. Derry City and Strabane District Council has a serious local role to play in action, education, leading and encouraging."